Tech Insights: OpenWrt as the Optimal OS for openRISE

We considered Arch and Debian derivatives, but it quickly became clear that we needed something lighter, faster, and more flexible. The choice fell on OpenWrt, a Linux system specifically optimized for connectivity.

Why OpenWrt?

Pure Flexibility:
With customizable kmod modules, OpenWrt loads only the essential kernel components. This ensures extremely fast boot times and minimizes resource consumption.

Platform Independence:
OpenWrt supports a wide range of hardware platforms, providing true hardware independence. This allows the system to be flexibly deployed in various environments.

Performance Focus:
By omitting graphical desktop environments like GNOME or KDE, OpenWrt remains exceptionally lightweight and resource-efficient—an essential advantage for systems with limited resources.

Easy Configuration:
Thanks to the web-based LuCI interface and support for SSH and SFTP, OpenWrt is simple to configure and highly versatile. LuCI makes it easy to set up VPNs, install additional software, and configure network settings, ensuring the system is quickly and securely operational.

Custom Builds:
Using the Image Builder or Build Flow, OpenWrt can be perfectly tailored to the specific needs of openRISE. This enables the creation of a compact, efficient, and powerful system precisely aligned with the project's requirements.

Perfect for openRISE

OpenWrt is the ideal choice for openRISE. It provides a compact, preconfigured installation image that bundles all the necessary project software components, ensuring straightforward installation and updates. With LuCI, integrating the system into existing infrastructure becomes effortless.

Showcase of the LuCI Interface

Here is a glimpse of the LuCI interface, which allows us to configure and manage OpenWrt with ease.